Lovie Smith wont be confused with Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne in terms of demeanor or success rate. Indeed, where Rockne once supposedly urged his team to win one for the Gipper, in memory of former teammate George Gipp (played by Ronald Reagan, you may recall), Lovie Smith has kept himself decidedly out of the hokey motivation business.

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His reasoning: There already is enough stress flying around the locker room and Halas Hall without injecting concerns about his own contract future. Besides, his is a veteran team that has felt all year that its time is now.

More than just for Lovie, you want to win it for us, said linebacker Lance Briggs. Win it for us. If youve enjoyed your time here in Chicago and the way that Lovie has treated you and us together and this camaraderie that we have, then win for that.

If Lovie is not here, that goes -- that goes with him. Ive enjoyed every moment of being here, here in Chicago. And I dont intend on that changing.